About IDA

Introduction to Islāmic Da'wah Academy

The Islāmic Da'wah Academy, commonly known as the IDA, was founded to facilitate a greater understanding and awareness of the teachings of Islam. It aims to educate people from all walks of life, and especially young Muslims, in all aspects of their religious development. Since its inception in 1991, the IDA has grown into an internationally recognised institute of academic excellence and religious revival. Under the guidance of its founder, the respected scholar and lecturer, Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh, the IDA has continued to progress to achieve its aim of helping to create the Muslims of tomorrow.

At present the IDA provides a multifaceted service catering for the diverse and unique needs of Muslims living in the west. Throughout the years, the IDA has targeted its activities primarily at the Muslim youth, who traditionally lacked access to Islamic services. Via its various projects and schemes the IDA continues to strive to help the new generation of Muslims channel their energies and capabilities appropriately; enabling young people to become individuals who are assets for society as a whole. The responses received from the IDA’s various beneficiaries and the endorsement of the IDA’s work by leading scholars of the Islamic world is, alhamdulillāh, a sign that facilities such as the IDA’s are an essential contribution to current Islamic services.

How you can support the IDA

After thanking Allāh, we wholeheartedly extend our gratitude to all those brothers and sisters who have supported and who continue to support the IDA.

Help us to continue helping you by partaking in the IDA’s schemes and helping us to share the message.

The IDA is a registered charity relying on lillāh donations from the public in order to fund all its activities. You can get involved by:

1. Continuously making du'ā for the acceptance and success of the IDA's work.
2. Using the IDA’s services and participating in its various programmes and events.
3. Referring to the IDA those who may benefit from its services.
4. Distributing the IDA’s literature and advertising its events in your locality.
5. Contributing lillāh donations towards the IDA’s ongoing projects. Donations can be made via the internet (click below in the LIILAH APPEAL section), by post or in person.
6. We hope and pray that we can, with the assistance of Allāh ta'ālā, continue to help sow the seeds; creating future generations which will be fruitful for us all.

Āmīn.

1991

Founded by the most respected Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh.

Focus on literature production & distribution, shar'ī advice and counselling.

Hifz class started in the house of the most respected Shaykh's Father, Hāfiz Ibraaheem Dhorat rahimahullāh.

Launched the Islamic journal "Riyādul Jannah".

1992

Pioneered the delivery of the commentary of the Qur'ān and lessons of Hadīth in the English language.

First national Youth Conference for the English speaking youth.

1993

The IDA moves into 186 Melbourne Road to cater for increased demands on its services.

First ever part-time course started by Madrasah Riyādul Qur’ān - designed for those involved in secular education.

Sawtul Haq Library comes into force to provide public access to Islamic literature in English and Urdu languages.

1994

Madrasah Riyādul Qur’ān begins 13+ classes, providing an opportunity for post-maktab children to further their religious learning.

1995

First Hāfiz of the Glorious Qur'ān from the IDA.

IDA organises a UK tour of authentic 'Ulamā, providing the community with the opportunity to benefit from their company and knowledge.

First ever 5-day Hajj seminar for the benefit of intending pilgrims.

1996

Purchase of former St Hilda’s church on Melbourne Road. This new site allowed for an expansion of the IDA's activities.

First Annual Sisters' Gathering.

First 3-day tarbiyah trip for Muslim youth.

Initiation of Muslim burial related project - which led to the establishment of the Muslim Burial Council of Leicestershire (MBCOL).

1998

Da'wah Book Centre established.

500 renowned 'Ulamā attend the European 'Ulamā seminar.

First gathering for professionals.

A new initiative in the form of a 7-day workshop designed to train 'Ulamā to teach visually impaired Muslim children.

Purchase of Spinney Lodge situated on Melbourne Road.

1999

Founding of Jāme'ah Riyādul 'Uloom, a full-time boarding Darul Uloom for UK and foreign students.

2001

The book of hadīth, Mishkāt-ul-Masābīh reaches completion at Jāme'ah Riyādul 'Uloom.

The IDA’s official website launched for the benefit of English speaking Muslims.

Dārul Iftā expertise enhanced by the arrival of a qualified Muftī from Dārul Uloom Karachi.

2003

Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāhstarts teaching Sahīh-ul-Bukhārī.

Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Muftī Taqi 'Uthmani hafizahullāh imparts the last lesson leading to the completion of Sahīh-ul-Bukhārī.

The first class of students graduate from Jāme‘ah Riyādul 'Uloom.

2004

Establishment of Riyādus Sālihāt - offering sisters the opportunity to pursue 'Ālimiyyah Course as well as further Islamic studies.

2005

After an intensive period of research and consultation, the IDA secured planning permission for the re-development of the Al Faruq site (former St Hilda's site).

2006

Demolition work commenced at the site in March.

The annual "Crossing Divides" seminar inaugurated to facilitate wider interaction and foster greater understanding, between the various sectors of the community.

2007

Work was well underway on the IDA's new construction.

2008

Alhamdulillāh, through the Fadhl of Allāh, the IDA's construction project reaches its completion after 20 months. The contract manager handed over the keys to the founder of the IDA, the most respected Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh on Tuesday 17th June 2008.

The IDA's new premises opens between 'Asr and Maghrib on Thursday 10th July 2008.

In July the IDA held its first Drugs Awareness Seminar at the Al Khayr Foundation, Leicester. Speakers from a range of organisations addressed the audience.

The IDA launches a confidential drugs helpline.

The first class of students graduate from Riyādus Sālihāt.